Data acquisition system takes Ethernet onboard

Keithley Instruments reckons its Model 2701 is the industry's first multipoint measurement and control system to integrate instrument-quality 22bit resolution and sensitivity with Ethernet networking.

Keithley Instruments reckons its Model 2701 Ethernet-ready DMM/data acquisition system is the industry's first multipoint measurement and control system that fully integrates instrument-quality, 22bit (6.5-digit) resolution and sensitivity with Ethernet long-distance networking.

Precision instrumentation can now be distributed over long distances using a de facto standard communication bus.

Users can devote fewer operators and fewer PCs per test station, while realising higher productivity and lower costs.

Ethernet is built into every PC, so the Model 2701 is also ideal for single-unit applications, freeing users from relatively slow, hard-to-configure GPIB legacy systems and the need to purchase and install GPIB cards and software.

In addition, higher measurement integrity helps prevent false failures that are very expensive to correct.

Previously, readily available systems have offered only 12 to 16bit A/D resolution (approximately 3.5-4.5 digits) and limited expandability.

Users needing higher performance and expandability have been forced to assemble custom systems from high-end instruments and add-on Ethernet adapters.